Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley revealed that teammate AJ Brown has long been a Patriots supporter, offering his inside perspective in an ESPN interview this week. Barkley emphasized that Brown has “always been a big Patriots fan,” even jokingly confirming a Patriots connection after a wink during a recent interview with Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
Brown has been at the center of offseason rumors since his 2019 draft situation, when the New England Patriots selected N’Keal Harry instead of Brown, who went to the Tennessee Titans. The discussion reignited following a 2025 exchange where Edelman presented Brown with a signed Patriots jersey, a gift Brown appeared excited about during their appearance together.
During the podcast, Brown appeared comfortable with Edelman and Gronkowski, which has kept the spotlight on his Patriots fandom without providing a definitive indication of a potential move. Barkley told ESPN that the wink was playful but reiterated his view that Brown remains a Patriots fan at heart.
Brown had a strong 2023 season with the Eagles, posting 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns, including several late-season 100-yard performances. He is under contract with Philadelphia through 2029 after a three-year, $96 million extension signed in April 2024, though he has publicly expressed frustration with offensive stagnation at times.
The possibility of Brown landing with the Patriots remains speculative. While the Eagles view Brown as a long-term centerpiece, any potential move would hinge on trade dynamics and free-agent developments, neither of which have produced concrete reports at this time. The Patriots could seek a playmaking addition at wide receiver, a need underscored by their 2023 season performance and the contributions of average-by-comparison receivers.
Brown’s name figures to dominate early-offseason chatter, with fans and analysts weighing his fit in New England against the evolving needs of both teams. As discussions unfold, observers will watch for any concrete moves or formal trade interest that could shift the balance of wide receiver talent in the league.
